Sex Therapy & Painful Sex
We know sexuality is at the core of our human experience. We understand that sexuality is both an essential and inherent dimension of being a human being. A fulfilling sex life is healthy, natural, and an essential aspect of your physical and emotional well-being. When sexual dysfunction, like pain disorders, orgasm disorders, arousal disorders, or desire disorders occur, having a fulfilling sex life with your partner can be difficult. These disorders can be caused by medical conditions like hormone imbalances or by the psychological effects of past traumas and anxieties. Sexual dysfunction is common, more than 40% of women and 30% of men experience some sort of sexual dysfunction in their lifetime. At Southern Connecticut Women's Health Care Associates, we understand how important it is to address the medical, psychological, personal, and interpersonal factors that can impact sexual satisfaction. We offer a full spectrum of healthcare for women in Southern Connecticut. As one of only a few physicians in the State of Connecticut who is a licensed sex therapist, Dr. Sivkin is also one of the few physicians in the United States accredited by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
Why should you see Dr. Sivkin concerning your issues?
Difficulty with sexual arousal
Concerns about sexual interests or sexual orientation
Painful intercourse
Concerns regarding past unwanted sexual experiences
Concerns about sexual desire or arousal
Trouble reaching orgasm
Intimacy issues related to a disability or other chronic conditions
Low or no sexual desire
Difficulties with sex after childbirth, during peri-menopausal and post-menopausal times, and during and after cancer and other serious illness.
Dr. Sivkin’s approach to sex therapy develops medical, emotional, and psychological treatment plans to improve her patient’s sexual function.
What is Painful Intercourse?
Painful intercourse, which is referred to medically as dyspareunia, is the loss of pleasure which is replaced by pain during sexual intercourse. For many women, this is a change of condition that may happen for a variety of reasons. Dr. Sivkin's licensed sex therapy is proven to help women return to and maintain a healthy sex life.
Why Does It Hurt to Have Sex?
There are many reasons why having sex may cause pain. Dr. Sivkin offers sex therapy which helps to cover the psychological reasons for feeling pain during intercourse. For some women, there is a physiological problem that causes them to hurt during sex. Women who are entering menopause may feel pain during sex due to vaginal dryness.
Painful intercourse is somewhat of a misnomer since women may feel pain before sex, during sex, or after sex. In fact, this is a common problem and women should not feel ashamed to discuss sexual pain with their doctor. Nearly 30 percent of women experience pain during sex, according to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior Survey of 2009. There are often ways to treat the underlying problem so that sex becomes enjoyable again.
What Are Some of the Treatments for Painful Sex?
Treatments are always developed due to the cause of pain. In some cases, it may just be a physical motion that causes the pain. A simple fix would be to slow down and try different recommended methods.
Aftermarket products such as a lubricant may also help, especially for menopausal women or those women who suffer from vaginal dryness. Lubricants may also help when there are fit issues. Don't be timid about exploring sexual positions, especially if it helps you enjoy sex.
Therapy, which can help reduce stress and tension, can also help with painful intercourse. Stress affects our bodies in many ways, and Dr. Sivkin has many effective methods to diagnose and reduce the stress that may cause these symptoms.
Getting tested for STDs is another option. In fact, the list of treatments is quite extensive and the causes are equally long. The takeaway is that talking with your doctor about painful sex is a positive way to begin the healing process.